Nigerian Journal of Health Sciences

EDITORIAL
Year
: 2015  |  Volume : 15  |  Issue : 1  |  Page : 1-

From the Editor-in-Chief table


JA Owa 
 Editor-in-Chief, Nigeria

Correspondence Address:
J A Owa
Editor-in-Chief, The Journal Office, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005
Nigeria




How to cite this article:
Owa J A. From the Editor-in-Chief table.Niger J Health Sci 2015;15:1-1


How to cite this URL:
Owa J A. From the Editor-in-Chief table. Niger J Health Sci [serial online] 2015 [cited 2024 Mar 28 ];15:1-1
Available from: http://www.https://chs-journal.com//text.asp?2015/15/1/1/171385


Full Text

The current issue of the journal publishes articles that cut across Basic Medical Sciences, Laboratory Sciences, Clinical Practice, Community and Public Health, and Pharmaceutical Sciences. These papers largely cover the scope of the journal. The articles are listed under original articles, review articles, case reports, and letters to the editor, and they address topical issues that are relevant to medical practice in the developing world.

The first two papers published in this edition by Omoruyi et al.and Ayannuga, respectively, are purely basic animal experimental research with their findings being relevant for clinical practice and pharmaceutical sciences. The paper by Omoruyi et al. clearly demonstrated the toxic effect of paracetamol on the liver, and the ameliorating effect of crude aqueous extract of Musanga cecropioides against paracetamol-induced liver damage. Paracetamol is perhaps the most commonly used analgesic both as prescribed drug and self-medication. Further studies are required to understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the therapeutic effects of crude aqueous extract of M. cecropioides through further collaborative studies with scientists in pharmacy. This also applies to Ayannuga's study on the pathogenesis of kaolin-induced third ventricle hydrocephalus in rats. The author attempted to explain the symptoms associated with hydrocephalus on the basis of pathogenesis, noting that the enlargement of the third ventricle in the superio-lateral direction might explain some of the symptoms associated with hydrocephalus. His research may help improve clinical understanding and management of patients with hydrocephalus.

The papers by Akinyemi et al. and Yusuf et al. address issues of public health importance. Akinyemi et al. ask an important question about the 2006 Child Health Policy in Nigeria. They analyzed available data on child survival drawn from various regions of Nigeria and drew conclusions that would help the country to identify if the targets on child survival in the policy document have been met. They also identified limiting challenges. I believe the evidence generated by the article would richly inform efforts at revising the policy document. A revision is due especially in view of the current reports about Nigeria being on the verge of eradicating paralytic polio. The paper by Yusuf et al. extensively discusses the challenges the country faces with eradicating paralytic polio with special focus on Zamfara State, North-Western Nigeria.

Ebola virus disease control is still a topical issue. The impact of the epidemic on life expectancy, the reversals of gain made in socioeconomic development of affected nations, and the significant decline in the progress made toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals by these nations still make discussions on Ebola virus disease a topical issue in West Africa. Is this the last of such Ebola virus disease epidemic we would be seeing in West Africa? Are the lessons learnt being translated into policies and actions? The Letter to the Editor by Olalekan tried to address some of these critical issues and raises some food for thought.

Lastly, but very important, I am glad to announce that the Nigerian Journal of Health Sciences has joined the league of Open Access, Peer-reviewed International journals. It will now be available as both an online publication and in printed copies. This will enhance the visibility of the journal in addition to the other benefits associated with being an open access journal. Articles should be submitted though the website of the journal. All submitted manuscripts would be handled electronically. This should reduce the turn-around time for manuscript. Welcome to the first edition of our Open Access publication.